Valdosta, GA — There was a major collision between two 18-wheeler trucks and a pickup truck that left a local man from Hahira, 30-year old Shawn Ryster, dead. The accident happened early Monday morning (December 8, 2014) near Valdosta.
Ryster had been driving his pickup truck along I-75 that morning, near Exit 11, when he lost control and crashed into the back of an 18-wheeler.
A few moments after the initial wreck, a second 18-wheeler driving on I-75 came upon the scene and was unable to stop in time, crashing into the back of Ryster’s truck. He was critically injured by the accident and died shortly thereafter.
The second truck driver involved, Dee Bee Parker, was apparently hospitalized and his truck, which was hauling beer, required a crane to move. The first 18-wheeler driver that Ryster hit was identified as Leon Callaway, but he wasn’t injured.
Scene of the Accident
Commentary:
I’ve read a few comments from people who apparently feel pretty comfortable just assuming that this victim was at fault for rear-ending the first 18-wheeler. Well, we all know where assuming gets you.
The fact of the matter is that the second truck driver has some explaining to do, the way I see things. How much time had passed between the first collision and the second? If it was only a few moments, then I can understand how a truck driver might not have enough time to react and brake in time. But if it was a few minutes, I think that second truck driver should have been able to spot the accident in plenty of time to stop. Further, if the first semi-truck was able, he should have put out triangles to warn other drivers.
Now, don’t get the wrong impression here. I’m not trying to make excuses for the victim. Clearly, he rear-ended the first truck, so it appears that he’s partially at fault as well. But that’s not exactly a “get-out-of-jail-free” for the second 18-wheeler, now is it?
— Grossman Law Offices
Shawn (I can call him that because I actually knew him. Just saw him a month ago) was a good man, a smart man, and a wonderful father. He was not driving a pick up truck that could have granted him a little bit more safety in the situation possibly. He was in a Ford focus. The same car used all the time to drop his girls off at school.
Well…if the driver of the first semi didn’t have lights on and merged onto the interstate…wouldn’t that be his fault ?especially driving over his log hours. … Can’t blame the guy that hit 2nd…maybe once Shawn made contact with the first semi he lost power…maybe he had no lights and the 2nd semi didn’t see him. Wish we could get some answers because I KNOW they have Interviewed them both!